Shoe fastening and closure device and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A shoe fastening device for providing releasable securement for shoes and having a continuous movement between open and closed positions as well as memory for predetermined adjustable tightness.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional utility patent application claims the benefit of prior filed U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/492,097 filed Jul. 31, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to shoes and, more particularly, to a shoe fastening and closure device for opening and closing a shoe.

(2) Description of the Prior Art

Typically, shoes are put on and removed by a user inserting the foot into an opening, with securement being provided while the shoe is worn by fastening or closing each shoe tongue; it is opened or loosened to remove the foot from the shoe.

Prior art shoe fasteners commonly employ shoe laces, hook-and-loop type fasteners, commonly known commercial by the trademark VELCRO, or buckles for releasably securing a shoe tongue after a user's foot is inserted into the shoe. However, shoe laces and hook-and-loop type fasteners are subject to wear over time, resulting in breaking of the laces and non-securement of the hook-and-loop fastener mating components. Also, buckles typically result in wear or stretching of the corresponding mating hole, which prevents consistent securement of the shoe by the fastener over time. All of these prior art fasteners are time-consuming to use, and are subject to release or loosening during wear, which can be dangerous for the shoe user, especially in sports or other activities where securement of footwear is critical to performance, since the shoes, like other athletic implements are intended to be extensions of the athlete to enhance performance, not to introduce dangerous circumstances that can lead to injury, or compromised performance at the least.

Prior art shoe fasteners may further be considered to include fasteners for boots, such as speed laces or snap lock fasteners, such as used on in-line skates.

Finally, relevant prior art shoe fasteners, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,969,573 and 2,637,087, teach shoe fastening devices having latch devices for releasable securement of a shoe, including resilient wire wing members forming a V-shaped member. However, the prior art does not provide for readily adjustable tightening, and does not provide for adaptability to a variety of shoe styles or types, among other differences in design, construction, and function from the present invention.

Thus, there remains a need for a shoe fastening device having quick release and securement properties while ensuring reliable, adjustable securement during shoe wear by a user and over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a shoe fastening device for providing reliable releasable securement for shoes, particularly for sport or athletic shoes, but also used for general shoe or boot applications.

In the preferred embodiment, a shoe fastening device according to the present invention includes a slide portion formed by a pair of spaced apart parallel rods or members having a corresponding ratchet portion that slides along from top to bottom ends of the rods for opening and closing the device, which is inserted into a tongue or upper vamp area of a shoe and welded, sewn, or otherwise secured in place, such as with adhesives, so that movement of the ratchet portion produces a corresponding movement of the tongue portion of the shoe for opening and closing it.

Preferably, the device may be formed of a rigid or at least semi-rigid material, such as plastic or metal.

The present invention is further directed to a method for using the device.

Thus, the present invention provides for a mechanical system and method for easy and quick releasable securement of a shoe tongue based on the slide and close device set forth hereinbelow.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a shoe fastening device to facilitate movement of the shoe between an open and a closed position comprising:

-   -   a base plate including a flat surface, and distal and proximal         ends;     -   a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members;     -   a sliding tightener device;     -   a central tightening member having two spaced apart arms each         having distal and proximal ends, the distal ends pivotally         connected to the base plate at the proximal end of the base         plate;     -   wherein the base plate further includes two spaced apart         protruding flange-like edges with connection points for         receiving ends of the pair of substantially parallel spaced         apart rod-like members and permitting the members to rotate or         pivot at those points;     -   wherein the substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members         are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the sliding         tightener device;     -   the device movable between an open position and a closed         position, wherein the sliding tightener device moves toward the         proximal ends of each of the arms of the central tightening         member when the device is in a closed position;     -   the device being connectable to the shoe, the shoe having an         upper portion with two sides having spaced apart ends, wherein         the base plate is connectable to the inside of the tongue and         the central tightening member arms connectable to the ends of         the sides, such that when the sliding tightener device is moved         upward along the central tightening member arms, the device         collapses into a closed position, compressing the arms toward         each other, establishing a predetermined tightness for the         closed position.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a shoe using the device summarized hereinabove.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for using the device to facilitate opening and closing a shoe and providing releasable securement of the shoe on a user's foot.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of components of device in one embodiment according to the present invention, wherein the device is not affixed to a shoe.

FIG. 5 is an end view of components of the device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of components of the device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a side view of components of the device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of components of the device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a top view of base plate components of the device.

FIG. 10 is an end view of base plate components of the device.

FIG. 11 is a side view of base plate components of the device.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a shoe having a shoe fastening device in an open position constructed according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a shoe having a shoe fastening device in a closed position constructed according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of a shoe having a shoe fastening device according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is another perspective view of a shoe having a shoe fastening device in an open position according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of a shoe having a shoe fastening device in a partially closed position according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is another perspective view of a shoe having a shoe fastening device moved into an open position according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of a shoe having a shoe fastening device moved toward a more closed position (not fully closed) according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a shoe having a shoe fastening device in an open position according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “right,” “left,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto. As illustrated in the figures, the present invention, generally referenced 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, provides a shoe fastening device for providing reliable releasable securement for shoes, particularly for sport or athletic shoes, but also used for general shoe or boot applications. FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 show various views of the device attached or affixed to a shoe, generally referenced 40, with a base plate 12 connectable or connected to an inside of a tongue portion 14 of a shoe, the base plate having downwardly depending spaced apart members 16 having a lip, flange, or nodule 18 extending upward on each of the sides of the base plate for releasably locking the device in a closed or shut position.

As shown in FIGS. 1-10, a device for use with a shoe to facilitate movement of the shoe between an open and a closed position is shown in various views, the device including a base plate 12 including a flat surface, and distal 13 and proximal ends 15; a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members 20; a sliding tightener device 22; a central tightening member 24 having two spaced apart arms each having distal and proximal ends, the distal ends 26 pivotally connected 28 to the base plate at the proximal end of the base plate, preferably the arms of the central tightening member form a substantially V-shaped member 25, in any case movement of the sliding tightener along the arms provides for continuous, smooth tightening and release between the open and closed positions of the device; wherein the base plate further includes two spaced apart protruding flange-like edges 30 with connection points for receiving ends of the pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members and permitting the members to rotate or pivot at those points; wherein the substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the sliding tightener device; the device movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the sliding tightener device moves toward the proximal ends of each of the arms of the central tightening member when the device is in a closed position; the device being connectable to the shoe, the shoe having an upper portion with two sides having spaced apart ends, wherein the base plate is connectable to the inside of the tongue and the central tightening member arms connectable to the ends of the sides, such that when the sliding tightener device is moved upward along the central tightening member arms, the device collapses into a closed position, compressing the arms toward each other, establishing a predetermined tightness for the closed position.

Preferably, the flange-like edges of the base plate further include a lip, flange, or nodule on each of the edges near a central region of the base plate for releasably locking the device in the closed position.

Also preferably, the sliding tightener device further includes at least one slotted opening 32 sized, constructed and positioned for receiving the central tightening member arms to provide for smooth, continuous movement of the sliding tightener device along the arms. In one embodiment of the present invention, the slotted opening is formed by a single C-shaped slot 34 for receiving both of the arms; this embodiment provides for increased flexibility and play in the movement of the sliding tightener device as it moves along the arms between open and closed positions of the device. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the slotted opening is formed by circular cross-sectional shaped openings at end regions of the sliding tightener device, as shown in FIGS. 4-8; this embodiment provides for increased control over the position of the arms while the sliding tightener device moves along them between open and closed positions.

In the preferred embodiment, the shoe fastening device according to the present invention includes a slide portion formed by a pair of spaced apart parallel rods or rod-like members having a corresponding ratchet or sliding tightener component or device that slides along from top to bottom ends of the arms of a substantially V-shaped member having arms or spaced apart members, such movement or sliding for moving the device between open and closed positions. The members are connected to the base plate, which is inserted into a tongue or upper vamp area of a shoe and welded, sewn, or otherwise secured in place, such as with adhesives, so that movement of the ratchet or sliding tightener component produces a corresponding movement of the tongue of the shoe for moving it from open to closed positions and vice versa.

The base plate has a distal end affixed to the tongue and a proximal end that is connected to the V-shaped spaced apart rods by a pivot or rotational member that permits the shoe tongue to open and close by moving upwardly and downwardly, such that as the shoe tongue and the base plate attached or affixed thereto move together, the sliding tightener, which is attached on its outer edges to ends of the substantially parallel spaced apart members, moves along the V-shaped spaced apart members or rods, pulling these V-shaped spaced apart members closer together, along with the sides of the shoes to tighten the shoe sides as the tongue closes, wherein the maximum tightness for a given adjustable setting position of the device is realized when the tongue is completely closed and the device is in a closed position, with the sliding tightener device at the top of the tongue near the foot opening hole of the shoe, and the substantially parallel spaced apart members and the V-shaped spaced apart members are all horizontally aligned, nearly within a common plane, such that the device appears to be nearly flat.

FIG. 4-8 of the drawings show the sliding tightener device with related connected components, and FIGS. 9-11 show the base plate; none of these drawings shows the V-shaped or M-shaped rods as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 14-19; these drawings 4-11 only show components views, and do not depict the device fully assembled or connected.

Preferably, the device according to the present invention includes V-shaped spaced apart rods, wherein the branching or spaced-apart distance of the V-shaped branches close in to closer proximity or decrease the space between them as the slider moves upward toward the ankle end of the shoe away from the toe end of the shoe;

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device is adjustable for tightness of closure of the shoe to which the device is connected or affixed, by adjusting the substantially parallel, spaced apart tongue or top rods attached to the base plate, moving them up or down to the distal or proximal end of the base plate by applying pressure inward to pull out the ends and inserting the ends or tips into another notch or hole in the flanged edges of the base plate.

The device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention snaps to a shut or closed position and held or releasably locked or secured in that position by a lip, flange, or nodule extending upward on each of the sides of the base plate so that each of the substantially parallel spaced apart members or rods pass over the corresponding edges of the lip, flange or nodule and snap or click thereover to be releasably held in the closed position.

The V-shaped members are connected to two opposite sides of an opening in the shoe top, which are the sides of the area where the laces of a shoe would typically lace up the shoe in the prior art. This connection of the V-shaped members or rods may be made via an adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, or by inserting an extended portion of each of the members or rods that bends back downward toward the toe end of the shoe and extends through a channel, loops or other opening sized and constructed to receive these members such that they securedly retain each of the V-shaped members to the shoe sides as the device is manipulated for opening and closing the shoe and releasably locking the device to hold the tongue of the shoe closed while the shoe is fitted onto a foot.

In the latter embodiment, the V-shaped members are actually M-shaped members having a V-shaped region being formed in the central area or central line of the shoe, the line running between the to end to the ankle or heel end of the shoe, splitting the shoe into inner and outer halves, the inner half corresponding to the inside arch side of the foot and the outer half corresponding to the outside side of the foot.

The present invention features include a continuously increasing tightener that starts at an open position and closes in a continuous, not step-wise, manner for smooth, easy tightening and securement, and provides for adjustable final closure level or tightness, wherein the adjustment is set to a predetermined level by the user and secured to that level after adjustment, which provides a sort of memory of the tightness of the device and of the shoe when attached thereto, such that a user can set a predetermined adjustment level of tightness of the device wherein use of the device will always provide substantially the same level of tightness for each use when in the closed position, unlike hook-and-loop type fasteners, which provide only for adjustment, without providing any consistency of tightness or means for ensuring a consistent tightness upon closure of the fasteners. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device is releasably secured in a closed position, with the releasable securement being provided by interaction of the lip, flange, or nodule pairs locking down against the substantially parallel spaced apart members, which may also be referred to as tongue or top rods, each protruding lip, flange or nodule pairs locking against the members, respectively, to hold each one in place in the closed or collapsed position of the device. The tightness is adjusted by moving the ends of the substantially parallel spaced apart members to different connecting points along the base plate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, these connecting points are holes in the base plate side flanges, such that the holes on either side align with each other to provide for even tightness across the width of the shoe opening, or tongue region if the shoe has a tongue, when the device is in a closed position.

Significantly, the memory for predetermined adjustable tightness is easily adjustable by moving the ends of the substantially parallel spaced apart members upward or downward along the base plate, i.e., moving the ends toward the distal end of the base plate decreases the tightness of the device and toward the proximal end of the base plate increases the tightness of the device in a closed position; once the device is adjusted to the predetermined tension position corresponding to the end location along the base plate, the device retains that tension position until the device is readjusted so that each use provides the same fit or tightness of the shoe on the user's foot.

Preferably, the device and its components may be formed of a rigid or at least semi-rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and combinations thereof, wherein the plastic material includes but is not limited to nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, styrene, polycarbonate, co-blended plastics, composites, and the like, and combinations thereof; the metal includes but is not limited to titanium, aluminum, magnesium, bronze, copper, tin, or other lightweight metals, and combinations thereof. The components may be injection molded, formed, fabricated, machine assembly, or combination thereof, appropriately, depending upon the material selection, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

A metal button 36 may optionally be included on the upper region of the base plate, and may be used to affix it to the tongue of the shoe, positioned such that, when the device is in a closed position, the button makes contact with the sliding tightener device and makes a click or snap sound when the contact is made; this button may further provide or enhance the device's releasable securement in a closed position when magnetic properties or a magnet are included in the button with respect to the sliding tightener device.

The present invention also provides a method for using the device including the steps of: providing the device described in the foregoing, wherein the device is connected or affixed to a shoe, wherein the a pair of spaced apart parallel rods are connected or affixed to either the tongue or to the sides of the shoe, and the ratchet portion of the device connected or affixed to the other of either the tongue or the sides of the shoe;

-   -   sliding the slidable tightener device that connects the V-shaped         spaced apart members or rods and the substantially parallel         spaced apart rods or members, wherein the V-shaped spaced apart         members connect to outside ends of the sliding tightener device         and the substantially parallel spaced apart members are held         under compression by running through an opening in the STD, the         opening being substantially rectangular or ovular, with holes         facing the toe end and ankle or heel end of the shoe;         alternatively, as shown in the drawings, specifically in FIGS.         4-11, instead of the sliding tightener device having a single         opening, it may have two spaced apart openings or holes, each of         which is designed, constructed, and configured to receive one of         the sides of the V-shaped spaced apart rods.

The present invention is further directed to a method for using the device including the steps of: providing the device described in the foregoing, wherein the device is connected or affixed to a shoe, wherein the a pair of spaced apart parallel rods are connected or affixed to either the tongue or to the sides of the shoe, and the ratchet portion of the device connected or affixed to the other of either the tongue or the sides of the shoe; opening the shoe tongue by pulling on it to force the slider or sliding tightener component by moving it downward with respect to the V-shaped spaced apart rods toward a proximal end of the base plate; closing the shoe by reversing the direction of the slider by pushing down on the tongue of the shoe until the locking mechanism clicks into place; repeating to release and secure the shoe onto a foot; when the device is in an open position, adjusting the tightness by applying compressive force or pressure to move the substantially parallel spaced apart rods together until their ends withdraw from corresponding adjustment holes or notches opposite and facing each other on the flange, moving the rods up or down to adjacent paired holes or notches along the flange to tighten or loosen the fit of the device when it is in a closed position, and releasing the pressure on the rods to insert the ends into the new holes or notches, thereby providing adjustable tightness for the releasably secureable fastening device for shoes according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. By way of example, the device according to the present invention may be retrofitted to other shoe models as a closure aid for individuals with limited dexterity. Also, the device according to the present invention is adaptable and intended to be provided in a multiplicity of sizes, lengths, and widths for use in comfot, athletic, street, dress, childrens', and work/industrial shoes and boots, as well as sandals. Additionally, the device may be adapted for use with skis, skates, and other athletic implements where a foot, shoe, or boot is insertable and releasably attachable or secureable thereto. All modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A shoe fastening device to facilitate movement of the shoe between an open and a closed position comprising: a base plate including a flat surface, and distal and proximal ends; a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members; a sliding tightener device; a central tightening member having two spaced apart arms each having distal and proximal ends, the distal ends pivotally connected to the base plate at the proximal end of the base plate; wherein the base plate further includes two spaced apart protruding flange-like edges with connection points for receiving ends of the pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members and permitting the members to rotate or pivot at those points; wherein the substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the sliding tightener device; the device movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the sliding tightener device moves toward the proximal ends of each of the arms of the central tightening member when the device is in a closed position; the device being connectable to the shoe, the shoe having an upper portion with two sides having spaced apart ends, wherein the base plate is connectable to the inside of the tongue and the central tightening member arms connectable to the ends of the sides, such that when the sliding tightener device is moved upward along the central tightening member arms, the device collapses into a closed position, compressing the arms toward each other, establishing a predetermined tightness for the closed position.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flange-like edges of the base plate further include a nodule for releasably locking the device in the closed position.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the arms of the central tightening member form a substantially V-shaped member.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein movement of the sliding tightener provides for continuous, smooth tightening and release between the open and closed positions of the device.
 5. The device according to claim 1, further including a button attached to the distal end of the base plate for connecting and/or affixing the device to the tongue of the shoe.
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the button has magnetic properties with respect to the sliding tightener device such that when the device is in a closed position, the button provides further releasable securement of the sliding tightener device to maintain it in the closed position.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein components of the device are formed of a lightweight material.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein components of the device are formed of plastic.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein components of the device are formed of metal.
 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding tightener device further includes at least one slotted opening sized, constructed and positioned for receiving the central tightening member arms to provide for smooth, continuous movement of the sliding tightener device along the arms.
 11. A shoe having a device to facilitate tightening and releasing the shoe from a user's foot, the device comprising: a base plate including a flat surface, and distal and proximal ends; a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members; a sliding tightener device; a central tightening member having two spaced apart arms each having distal and proximal ends, the distal ends pivotally connected to the base plate at the proximal end of the base plate; wherein the base plate further includes two spaced apart protruding flange-like edges with connection points for receiving ends of the pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members and permitting the members to rotate or pivot at those points; wherein the substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the sliding tightener device; the device movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the sliding tightener device moves toward the proximal ends of each of the arms of the central tightening member when the device is in a closed position; the device being connectable to a shoe, the shoe having an upper portion with two sides having spaced apart ends facing a tongue, wherein the base plate is connectable to the inside of the tongue and the central tightening member arms connectable to the ends of the sides, such that when the sliding tightener device is moved upward along the central tightening member arms, the device collapses into a closed position, compressing the arms toward each other and pulling the tongue downward, establishing a predetermined tightness for the closed position.
 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the flange-like edges of the base plate further include a nodule for releasably locking the device in the closed position.
 13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the arms of the central tightening member form a substantially V-shaped member.
 14. The device according to claim 11, wherein movement of the sliding tightener provides for continuous, smooth tightening and release between the open and closed positions of the device.
 15. The device according to claim 11, further including a button attached to the distal end of the base plate for connecting and/or affixing the device to the tongue of the shoe.
 16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the button has magnetic properties with respect to the sliding tightener device such that when the device is in a closed position, the button provides further releasable securement of the sliding tightener device to maintain it in the closed position.
 17. The device according to claim 11, wherein components of the device are formed of a lightweight material.
 18. The device according to claim 11, wherein components of the device are formed of plastic.
 19. The device according to claim 11, wherein components of the device are formed of metal.
 20. The device according to claim 11, wherein the sliding tightener device further includes at least one slotted opening sized, constructed and positioned for receiving the central tightening member arms to provide for smooth, continuous movement of the sliding tightener device along the arms.
 21. A method fastening a shoe on a user's foot, comprising the steps of: providing a shoe having the device according to claim 10; positioning the device in the open position by pulling the tongue of the shoe upward; a user inserting a foot into the shoe; the user applying pressure on the tongue of the shoe, thereby moving the sliding tightener device in a continuous, smooth manner, from the distal end of the central tightening members to the proximal end thereof to move the device into the closed position.
 22. The method according to claim 21, further including the step of: adjusting the tightness of the shoe when in the closed position by adjusting the substantially parallel spaced apart members to a different connection point toward either the distal or proximal ends of the base plate. 